Kel-Tec P-11
| Kel-Tec P-11 | |
|---|---|
 Kel-Tec P-11 | |
| Place of origin |  USA |
| Production history | |
| Designer | George Kelgren |
| Manufacturer | Kel-Tec CNC |
| Variants | P-40, P-357 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 14 oz (400 g) empty 20 oz (570 g) w/loaded magazine |
| Length | 5.6 in (140 mm) |
| Barrel length | 3.1 in (79 mm) |
| Width | 1 in (25 mm) |
| Height | 4.3 in (110 mm) |
| Cartridge | 9mm Parabellum |
| Feed system | 10 or 12 round magazine (Same dimensions) |
The Kel-Tec P-11 is a compact, semi-automatic, short-recoil operated pistol chambered in 9 mm Luger. It has been manufactured by Kel-Tec CNC Industries of Cocoa, FL since 1995.
Design & Specifications
The P-11 was designed by Swedish-born George Kelgren, the designer of many earlier Husqvarna (Sweden), Intratec, and Grendel brand firearms. The P-11 uses an aluminum receiver inside a polymer grip housing held on with polymer pins. The slide, barrel, and magazine are steel. A standard magazine holds ten rounds, although twelve round factory magazines are available. At 14 oz (400 g) unloaded, the handgun itself is comparatively light. The P-11 lacks an external manual safety relying instead on a long double action only (DAO) trigger pull to prevent accidental discharge. A firing pin spring and low-mass hammer prevent discharge if the gun is dropped. The P-11 will also accept some Smith and Wesson 59 Series fifteen round magazines.[1] An available adapter wraps around the base of Smith & Wesson model 59 style magazines. Kel Tec also sells 12 round magazines that fit flush to the bottom of the pistol like the standard 10 round magazines. Smith & Wesson series 69 compact 12 round magazines will also work, with a matching short adapter sleeve as well. Accessories such as trigger shoes, finger-rests, belt clips,steel guide rods to replace the factory installed polymer guide rod,grey and od green colored polymer grip housings,night sights and other accessories are also available from the manufacturer.
For a short period, the P-11 was offered in .40 S&W and .357 Sig with reduced magazine capacity. These weapons were designated P-40 and P-357. These models mated a P-11's frame to a larger slide width and barrel. Kel-Tec has suspended production of these pistols and conversion kits. In 2006, Kel-Tec introduced a single-stack pistol based on the P-11 with engineering improvements borrowed from the P-3AT. The resulting PF-9 pistol weighs about the same loaded as the P-11 empty and is somewhat slimmer.
Marketing
The P-11 is designed for concealed carry by members of the general public and law enforcement officers. It is only slightly wider than the staggered-column magazine it uses. It is particularly attractive to users who want a concealable firearm but also desire a "full-power" defensive cartridge, as pistols of this size generally fire reduced-power rounds like .32 ACP or .380 ACP The barrel is near the minimum length possible with a Browning tilting-barrel system of operation. The gun easily fits into a pocket, small holster, or inside a handbag. All edges are rounded and smoothed allowing comfort while carrying concealed. There are few protrusions on the pistol to catch on a pocket holster, a deep concealment or inside of waistband holster.